Here's how Matariki is observed and what significance it holds:
* Appearance: Matariki (also known as Pleiades or Seven Sisters) is visible in the pre-dawn sky in the Southern Hemisphere during late May and early June.
* Cultural Significance: For many Māori in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, Matariki marks the start of the Māori New Year. It is a time for:
* Commemoration: Honoring ancestors and remembering those who have passed.
* Reflection: Reflecting on the past year and making plans for the future.
* Celebration: Gathering with family and friends, sharing food, and enjoying festivities.
* Planting: In some regions, it is also a time to begin planting crops, as the rising of Matariki signifies the start of the agricultural season.
In short, Matariki is a natural phenomenon that has gained profound cultural and spiritual significance for Māori people. It is not created, but rather observed and celebrated as a marker of time and a symbol of renewal and hope.